Joesph's abilities

19Mar
Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.
-Matthew 1:18-21


Today is March 19th, it is the day we celebrate Saint Joseph for his Saint’s day. It is also my birthday, so my fascination for St. Joseph began early. Of course I thought, Joseph is the daddy in the Nativity with Mary, the momma, and the baby, Jesus, along with the animals and the sparkly kings. They are toys, or dolls, or pretty things little hands weren’t to touch. The point being, St. Joseph isn’t a real person.


And, for many adults, Joseph is not “real” either. Largely, what we know as Bible-readers is care of Matthew and Luke. We know he was a widower and was substantially older than Mary. We know he was a carpenter, raised Jesus, and was a good Jew in all aspects. We know that Joseph was less than thrilled when Mary turned up pregnant but, thankfully, there were angels involved and our story continued. 


From time to time, I have poked around to get to know St. Joseph better. St. Joseph first became real to me one day as a small child, likely around our shared day, in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Santa Fe was a regular weekend getaway for my family. The La Fonda and the French bakery in it where like being at a grandma’s. The Chapel of Loretto had been closed but my Mom always walked by hoping it would be open again, so she could show us the staircase. One day, she noticed the door ajar in the early 1970’s. What I remember was being woken up from a nap and scurrying to the Chapel. I was not overly impressed with the Chapel itself, until I saw the staircase. A nice older man told the story of the carpenter who bent the wood with hot water and used no nails in the original staircase’s construction. This carpenter was an answer to the nuns’ novena to Joseph for help with the loft. Just as the carpenter appeared with simple tools to build the staircase, the carpenter disappeared as soon as he finished. Some believe the carpenter was St. Joseph. Here, in front of me, was something real; made by Jesus’ Dad. I knew a dad was real, I knew the staircase was real. Joseph, then, had to be real. And, if Joseph was “real” so was Jesus as a child, like me. 


Unlike Mary, there are no official miracles for Joseph. There are, however, countless stories of a man showing up and doing what needed to be done. Folks who, having asked St. Joseph for help, guidance or protection, can provide tangible ways Joseph helped them. Then there is that whole house selling thing. Who hasn't planted a St. Joseph in hopes of selling their home? That has to give most of heaven a giggle. Admittedly, I have a nativity with a shepherd stand-in as I forgot to dig up Joseph when we moved out!

 

There is no part of saying yes to God that was easy. Joseph did his best to find Mary a donkey for travelling comfort; then locating a (less than ideal) spot for Mary to give birth, followed by fleeing to Egypt to save the child’s life. Joseph then raised, guided, and socialized this strong-willed boy, as Jesus grew. He is no longer mentioned at the wedding in Cana, so we surmise he may have died by the time Jesus was an adult. 


Often, God’s call is a nudge that pushes us out of our comfort zone. A nudge to show up, stand up or do what needs to be done to the best of your ability in that very moment. Just as with Joseph, the everyday gifts, talents, and strengths you have will be exactly what is needed. It will be enough. Trust in that.

Musical Reflection - Forever Young - Rod Stewart


Gracious God, thank you for Joseph, who chose to love, raise, guide and protect Jesus as he grew. We are grateful to him for his example in accepting your call. Sharpen our listening, so that we will hear you amidst our everyday lives and tasks. May your Spirit nudge us take the action you need us to take and to do it the best of our abilities. Amen.

LentSaintsRighteousness

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